Biblioteca y casa-museo de Menéndez Pelayo, Research library and house museum in Santander, Spain
The Biblioteca y casa-museo de Menéndez Pelayo is a research library and house museum housed in a building with three rectangular spaces illuminated by colored glass windows displaying royal coat of arms designs. The central elevated section features the scholarly collection and personal belongings of the 19th-century intellectual.
An influential scholar left his house and private library to the city of Santander through his will, making his collections accessible to the public. This inheritance preserves the intellectual treasures and personal surroundings of a man who shaped the humanities.
The place is named after Marcelino Menéndez Pelayo, an influential scholar of the 19th century whose personal collections are housed here. Visitors can see writings from different periods and get a sense of how an educated man of that time lived and worked.
The museum welcomes visitors on weekdays with guided tours offered throughout the day to help explore the collection. It's best to check opening hours in advance and arrange a tour beforehand to ensure you have a spot and make the most of your visit.
A manuscript from the late 13th century telling the story of Troy is among the most valuable pieces in the collection and draws visitors interested in medieval literature. This rare text showcases the depth and worth of the books brought together here.
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